Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award

The Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award is given out by the weekly Polish American newspaper the Am-Pol Eagle. The award is given to individuals and organizations in the Polish American community "in recognition of outstanding service and unselfish contributions on the behalf of the Polish-American cause" in various fields. There are 25 different categories but each category may not have a winner every year. The award is considered to be one of the highest honors given within the Polish-American community. The Am-Pol Eagle, published in Buffalo, New York, was founded in 1960 by Matthew Pelczynski who was known as "the voice of the Polish-American community."

National

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – None
 * 2008 – Anthony Bajdek
 * 2007 – Christian Holocaust Survivors
 * 2006 – Deborah M. Majka
 * 2005 – Bozenna Urbanowicz Gilbride
 * 2004 – Edward Rowny
 * 2003 – Kaya Ploss
 * 2002 – None
 * 2001 – Susanne Lotarski
 * 2000 – Les Kuszynski
 * 1999 – Edward Pinkowski
 * 1998 – James Pawelczyk
 * 1997 – Michael Preisler
 * 1996 – Stanley Milewski
 * 1995 – Myra Lenard
 * 1994 – Adam Maida
 * 1993 – David Bonior
 * 1992 – Edward G. Dykla
 * 1981 – Aloysius Mazewski
 * 1980 – Michael Kogutek
 * 1979 – Carl Yastrzemski
 * 1978 – John G. Fray
 * 1977 – Alfred Abramowicz D.D
 * 1976 – Zbigniew Brzezinski
 * 1975 – Mitchell Kobelinski
 * 1974 – Bobby Vinton
 * 1973 – Barbara Mikulski
 * 1972 – Eugene Kusielewicz

Art/Drama

 * 2013 – Anna Gabryszak
 * 2012 – Roman Kujawa
 * 2011 – Tod Kniazuk
 * 2009 – Rev. Walter Madej
 * 2008 – Chopin Singing Society of Buffalo's production of Flis
 * 2007 – None
 * 2006 – Ron Urbanczyk
 * 2005 – Brittany Mruczek
 * 2004 – Kazimierz Braun
 * 2003 – None
 * 2002 – Gary Witkowski
 * 2001 – Mark David Skura
 * 2000 – Ted Pietrzak
 * 1999 – Thoman Kazmierczak III
 * 1998 – Thadeusz Pyzikiewicz
 * 1997 – Fred Szatkowski
 * 1996 – Kate Koperski
 * 1995 – Tom Dudzick
 * 1994 – Melva Wrobel
 * 1993 – Thea Zastempowski
 * 1992 – Christine Nowak
 * 1981 – Louis F. Dlugosz
 * 1980 – Laura Dory
 * 1979 – George Lukasiewicz
 * 1978 – Benedict T. Rozek
 * 1977 – Alice Wadowski-Bak
 * 1976 – Thomas Banasiak
 * 1975 – Ann Nowak
 * 1974 – Walter Prochownik
 * 1973 – None
 * 1972 – Daniel Reczek

Business

 * 2013 – Michael Kucinski
 * 2012 – Buszka Funeral Home
 * 2011 – Kaminski & Sons Truck Equipment Inc.
 * 2010 – The Rutowski Family Pharmacies
 * 2009 – Danny Potts
 * 2008 – Mazurek's Bakery
 * 2007 – John Mills
 * 1981 – F. Ronald Malecki
 * 1980 – Chet Musialowski
 * 1979 – Daniel J. Majeski
 * 1978 – Stanley Hajeski
 * 1977 – Mathew Witkowski
 * 1976 – Alfred Fabiniak
 * 1975 – Andrew Ciolek
 * 1974 – Florian Burczynski
 * 1973 – Joseph Dziminski Jr.
 * 1972 – Robert Kowalewski

Civic Leader

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – Bob Kresse
 * 2011 – None
 * 2009 – The Felician Sisters
 * 2008 – None
 * 2007 – Dr. Norman Weinberg
 * 2005 – James Ostrowski
 * 2004 – Bishop Edward M. Grosz
 * 2003 – Msgr. Matthew Kopacz
 * 2001 – John Dobrzenski
 * 1994 – Pauline Nowak / William Trezevant
 * 1993 – James Konicki
 * 1981 – Rev. Joseph Bialek
 * 1980 - None
 * 1979 - None
 * 1978 - None
 * 1977 - None
 * 1976 - None
 * 1975 – Bishop Daniel Cyganowski
 * 1974 – Robert Biniszkiewicz
 * 1973 – Edward Posluszny
 * 1972 – Dennis Kazmierczak

Community Leader (Non Pole)

 * 2013 – Dr. Andrew Wise
 * 2012 – Jean Dickson
 * 2011 – Mary Lanham
 * 2009 – Amy Betros
 * 2008 – Mary Holland
 * 2007 – Dr. Muriel Howard
 * 1981 – Most Rev. Edward D. Head
 * 1980 – None
 * 1979 – Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
 * 1978 – Richard Kellman
 * 1977 – Douglas L. Turner
 * 1976 – Hon. Jack Kemp
 * 1975 – Edward V. Regan
 * 1974 – Dr. E. K. Fretwell

Community Organization

 * 2013 – Broadway Market 125th Anniversary Committee
 * 2012 – Permanent Chair of Polish Culture Canisius College
 * 2011 – Polish Heritage Society of Rochester
 * 2010 – Pulaski Police Association
 * 2009 – Polish Singers Alliance District IX
 * 2008 – Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble
 * 2006 – Cheektowaga Polish American Festival Committee
 * 2002 – University at Buffalo Polish Student Association
 * 1981 – Polish American Congress, Western New York Division
 * 1980 – Niagara Frontier Post 1041
 * 1979 – Walden District Taxpayers Association

Culture

 * 2013 – Kathleen Rumfola
 * 2012 – Dr. Peter Gessner
 * 2011 – Robert Johnson
 * 2010 – Sophie Hodorowicz-Knab
 * 2009 – Rev. Louis Dolinic
 * 2008 – Andrew Golebiowski
 * 2007 – Wanda Slawinski
 * 1981 – Adeline Wujeikewski
 * 1980 – Hon.Frank Swiatek
 * 1979 – Helena Golebiowski
 * 1978 – Alice Posluszny
 * 1977 – Maria Laskowska
 * 1976 – Thaddeus Nyczko
 * 1975 – Marian Strzelczyk
 * 1974 – Sister Ellen Marie
 * 1973 – Emilie Lubelski
 * 1972 – Leonard Glowinski

Education

 * 2013 – Ashli Skura Dreher
 * 2012 – Fr. Michael Sajda
 * 2011 – Pomost International
 * 2009 – Msgr. Adamski Polish Saturday School
 * 2008 – Fr.Charles Jagodzinski
 * 2007 – Patricia Weinreich
 * 2006 – Danuta Nycz
 * 1981 – Edward Szmraj
 * 1980 – Father Leon Krop
 * 1979 – Raymond Dziedzic
 * 1978 – Dr. Joseph Gizinski
 * 1977 – Anne Szczesny
 * 1976 – Sister Mary Pachomia
 * 1975 – Leonard Sikora
 * 1974 – Frank Benbenek
 * 1973 – Thomas Michalski
 * 1972 – Mary Amalia

Fraternal

 * 2013 – Pulaski Police Assn.
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – None
 * 2010 – Dunkirk Dom Polski
 * 2006 – Polish Union of America
 * 1981 – Lucy Rubach
 * 1980 – Joseph Lipa
 * 1979 – Thaddeus J. Zolkiewicz
 * 1978 – Victor A. Drajem, Jr.
 * 1977 – Bronislaw Durewicz
 * 1976 – Clara Owczarczak
 * 1975 – Lawrence Wujcukowski
 * 1974 – Joseph Starosciak
 * 1973 – Clara Weber
 * 1972 – Irene Cwiklinski

Good Neighbor

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – None
 * 2010 – Canadian Polish Congress - Niagara District
 * 2007 – Chester & Diane Stranczek
 * 2006 – OLC Pierogi Makers
 * 2001 – Daniel Mocniak

Government

 * 2013 – Gerald Chwalinski
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – Robert Giza
 * 2010 – Steven J. Stepniak
 * 2008 – Catherine Rybczynski
 * 2007 – Richard Kloc
 * 1981 – Daved Rutecki
 * 1980 – Thomas Owczarczak
 * 1979 – Edwin A. Gorski
 * 1978 – Thaddeus J. Szymanski
 * 1977 – William M. Skretny
 * 1976 – Hon. Henry Nowak
 * 1975 – Joseph Bala
 * 1974 – Stanley Makowski
 * 1973 – Stan Bolas
 * 1972 – Daniel Kwiatkowski

Health/Medicine

 * 2013 – Jean Wactawski-Wende
 * 2012 – Dr. Edwin Grzankowski
 * 2011 – None
 * 2008 – Dr.Kevin Cichocki
 * 2007 – Dr. William F. Wieczorek, Ph.D.
 * 1981 – Dr. Daniel Kozers
 * 1980 – Dr. Robert Zwirecki
 * 1979 – Anthony Prezyna, M.D.
 * 1978 – Dr. Joseph Matala
 * 1977 – None
 * 1976 – Dr. Richard Powell
 * 1975 – Dr. Lucian Rutecki
 * 1974 – Dr. Eugene Ruszaj
 * 1973 – None
 * 1972 – Dr. Joseph Kij

Heritage

 * 2013 – Amy Smardz
 * 2012 – Edward Prabucki
 * 2011 – Henry Chimes
 * 2010 – Dr. Margaret Stefanski
 * 2009 – Barbara Frackiewicz
 * 2008 – Polish Heritage Dancers of Western New York
 * 2007 – Gregory Witul
 * 2006 – Donna Zellner Neal
 * 2005 – Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski
 * 2004 – Martin Biniasz
 * 2003 – Robert Fronckowiak
 * 2002 – Lucyna Dziedzic
 * 2001 – Edward Kornowski
 * 2000 – David Newman
 * 1999 – Polish Social Volunteers
 * 1998 – Honorable Carl Bucki
 * 1997 – Andrew Golebiowski
 * 1996 – Walter Grabowski
 * 1995 – Diane Cieczka – Jircitano
 * 1994 – Benjamin Fiore
 * 1992 – Edmund Kiedrowski & Alice Kiedrowski
 * 1987 – Victoria Jarnot
 * 1981 – Genevieve Pietka
 * 1980 – Matthew Kubik
 * 1979 – Theodore Mikoll
 * 1978 – Stanly Dawidziak
 * 1977 – William Borodacz
 * 1976 – Zdaislaw Ordon
 * 1975 – Bronislaus Trzyszewski

Humanitarian

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – Lisa Florczak
 * 2011 – None
 * 2010 – Tom Zablotny
 * 2007 – Christine Jozwiak
 * 1981 – Judy Kasinski
 * 1980 – Caroline Szymanski
 * 1979 – Verna C. Neubauer
 * 1978 – Irene Szczesnika
 * 1977 – Dorothy Orlowski
 * 1976 – Sister Mary Desponsata
 * 1975 – Rev. Edward Ulaszewski
 * 1974 – Richard Glowacki
 * 1973 – Sophia Dabrowski
 * 1972 – Apolonia Szpakowska

Human Rights

 * 1980 – Lech Walesa

Individual in Organizations

 * 2013 – Charles Peszynski
 * 2012 – Stephen Flor & Andrew Pilecki
 * 2011 – Bernadine Szymanski
 * 2010 – Frances Cirbus
 * 2009 – Edward Reska
 * 2008 – Florence Oleszek
 * 2007 – Irene Pawlowski
 * 1981 – Walter Chrzanowski
 * 1980 – Frank Niemiec
 * 1979 – Richard B. Solecki
 * 1978 – Edward Sieracki
 * 1977 – Michael J. Kogutek
 * 1976 – Karol Tomaszewski
 * 1975 – John Fliss
 * 1974 – Art Kilichowski
 * 1973 – Leo A. Trembowicz
 * 1972 – Jack R. Poczciwinski

Labor

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – Stan Nowak
 * 2011 – None
 * 2006 – Paul R. Dobrzenski
 * 1981 – Joseph Benbenek
 * 1980 – Edward Ziarnowski
 * 1979 – Jerome C. Gorski
 * 1978 – Hon.Richard Slisz
 * 1977 – Casimir Walas
 * 1976 – Peter Rybka
 * 1975 – Frank Malinkiewicz
 * 1974 – Matt Ginal
 * 1973 – Louis Dudek
 * 1972 – Floyd Lisinski

Law

 * 2013 – Robert Ciesielski
 * 2012 – Hon. Leslie Foschio
 * 2011 – Charles Tomaszewski
 * 2010 – Hon. Henry J. Nowak, Jr.
 * 2009 – Hon. William Skretny
 * 2008 – Hon.Michael Pietruszka
 * 2007 – William Hochul
 * 1981 – Eugene Buczkowski
 * 1980 – Norman Walawender
 * 1979 – Hon. Joseph S. Forma
 * 1978 – Hon. Edward V. Mazur
 * 1977 – Hon. Julian F. Kubiniec
 * 1976 – Hon. Victor Manz
 * 1975 – Hon. William Ostrowski
 * 1974 – Leonard Walentynowicz
 * 1973 – Hon. Theodore Kasler
 * 1972 – Hon. Alois C. Mazur

Media

 * 2013 – Christopher Parker
 * 2012 – Charity Vogel
 * 2011 – Rick Franusiak
 * 2010 – Mark Wozniak
 * 2009 – Steve Cichon
 * 2008 – Christopher Byrd
 * 2007 – Ron Dombrowski
 * 1996 – Alice Wadowski-Bak
 * 1981 – Don Polec
 * 1980 – Matthew Gryta
 * 1979 – Robert S. Bukaty
 * 1978 – Eugene M. Krzyzynski
 * 1977 – John Krieger
 * 1976 – Wanda Kogut
 * 1975 – Daniel Lesniak
 * 1974 – Matt Kopanty
 * 1973 – Sister Mary Donata

Military/Veteran

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – Brett Gornewicz
 * 2011 – None
 * 2009 – Stanley Blake
 * 2008 – Alfreda Miecyjak, Krystyna Pienkowska, & Jozefa Solecki
 * 2007 – Stanley & Antonina Markut

Music

 * 2013 – Michelle Cofield
 * 2012 – Michael Zachowicz
 * 2011 – CitySide
 * 2010 – Emily Tworek-Helenbrook
 * 2009 – Jacek Muzyk
 * 2008 – Jerry Darlak and the Touch
 * 2007 – Bell Choir of Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral
 * 2006 – Goo Goo Dolls
 * 2005 – Art Kubera
 * 2004 – St. Michael the Archangel Choir
 * 2003 – Sunshine Records
 * 2002 – St. Casimir Choir
 * 2001 – Buffalo Concertina All-Stars
 * 2000 – Buffalo Polka Boosters
 * 1999 – Steve Krzeminski
 * 1998 – Valerian Ruminski
 * 1997 – Donald Jenczka
 * 1996 – Radosc-Joy Choir
 * 1995 – Villa Maria Chorale
 * 1994 – David Seweryniak
 * 1993 – Mark Kohan
 * 1992 – Linda Orszulka
 * 1986 – Edward Witul
 * 1981 – Walter Szwajda
 * 1980 – Louis Distel
 * 1979 – Sr. Mary Virginis Kozlowska
 * 1978 – Art Kubera
 * 1977 – Czarnik Quartet
 * 1976 – Genia Lars
 * 1975 – Michael Tworek
 * 1974 – Joseph Macielag
 * 1973 – Sister M. Martinelle
 * 1972 – Janina Staniewicz

Politics

 * 2013 – Steven Walters
 * 2012 – Hon. Dennis Gabryszak
 * 2011 – None
 * 2010 – Kevin Smardz
 * 2009 – Supervisor Mary Holtz
 * 2006 – Marck C. Poloncarz
 * 2005 – Deborah Bucki
 * 2004 – Stasia Vogel
 * 2003 – Senator George Maziarz
 * 2002 – Joseph Augustine
 * 2001 – Norman Polanski
 * 2000 – Raymond K. Dusza
 * 1999 – Joseph Golombek
 * 1998 – Mayor Robert Kesicki
 * 1997 – Mayor Robert Kucewicz
 * 1996 – Greg Olma
 * 1995 – Janice Kowalski – Kelly
 * 1994 – James Jankowiak
 * 1993 – Sen. William Stachowski
 * 1992 – Leonard Gramza
 * 1981 – Sen. William Stachowski
 * 1980 – Hon. William Rogowski
 * 1979 – Hon. Edward J. Rutkowski
 * 1978 – Stanley Stachowski
 * 1977 – Hon. Richard Okoniewski
 * 1976 – Hon. Shirley Storarski
 * 1975 – Genevieve Starosciak
 * 1974 – Dennis Gorski
 * 1973 – Stan Franczyk
 * 1972 – Legislator Stanley Zagora

Religion

 * 2013 – Rev. Richard Jedrzejewski
 * 2012 – Rev. Mike Burzynski
 * 2011 – Parishioners of St. Adalbert's Basilica
 * 2010 – Sr. Judith M. Kubicki, CSSF
 * 2009 – Rev. Walter Szczesny
 * 2008 – Fr.Anzelm Chalupka
 * 2007 – Daniel Geary, OFM, Conv.
 * 1981 – Rev. Sister Alberta Surowiec
 * 1980 – Rev. Max Panczakiewicz
 * 1979 – Rev. Robert K. Golombek
 * 1978 – Rev. Lucian Krolikowski
 * 1977 – Rev. Msgr. D. J. Szostak
 * 1976 – Rev. Msgr. Chester Meloch
 * 1975 – Mother Mary Benice
 * 1974 – Rev. Anthony Konieczny
 * 1973 – Rev. John Gabalski
 * 1972 – Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis Wlodarczak

Science

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – None
 * 2010 – Leonard Amborski
 * 2006 – Arthur M. Michalek
 * 1981 – Dr. Felix Milgrom
 * 1980 – Dr. Francis Bajer
 * 1979 – Eugene Sulkowski, Ph. D
 * 1978 – Dr. Michael S. Hudecki
 * 1977 – Dr. Raymond Trudnowski
 * 1976 – John Kopczynski
 * 1975 – Dr. Peter S. Pawlik
 * 1974 – Dr. Sigmund Zakrzewski

Sports

 * 2013 – Stan Figiel
 * 2012 – Don Pieczynski
 * 2011 – Candis Kapuscinski
 * 2010 – Rob Gronkowski
 * 2009 – Dan Kryzanowicz
 * 2008 – Jenn Stuczynski
 * 2007 – Lee Stempniak
 * 1981 – Ben Richards
 * 1980 – Ray Wasielewski
 * 1979 – John Sikorski
 * 1978 – Frank Podsiadlo
 * 1977 – Robert Pacholski
 * 1976 – Henry Breski
 * 1975 – Peter Machnica
 * 1974 – Ron Joworski

Youth

 * 2013 – None
 * 2012 – None
 * 2011 – Katherine Rivard
 * 2010 – Gabrielle Pawlowski
 * 2009 – Barry Pawlowski & Christina Slomczewski
 * 2008 – Corrine Lasek
 * 2007 – Peter Miecyjak
 * 2006 – Alicia Krawiec
 * 2005 – Kimberly Majewski
 * 2004 – Veronica Couzo
 * 2003 – Brooke Wiechec / Schwedner
 * 2002 – None
 * 2001 – Marguerite Rivard
 * 2000 – Aniela Baj
 * 1999 – Tersa Kaczynska
 * 1998 – Conrad Malkowski
 * 1997 – Agatha Glowacki
 * 1996 – Craig Bucki
 * 1995 – Thomas Wasiuta
 * 1994 – Alexandra Krupski
 * 1993 – Lisa Urbanski
 * 1992 – David Smaczniak
 * 1981 – Irene Woszczak
 * 1980 – Wallace Piotrowski
 * 1979 – Ann Dobrowolski
 * 1978 – Joe Kroczynski
 * 1977 – Denise Gryglewicz
 * 1976 – Carl Bucki
 * 1975 – Kasia Wrobel
 * 1974 – Rev. Richard Zajac
 * 1973 – Ray Marciniak